Don’t Distress Over Skin Pigmentation

Your skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin, and special cells in your skin make this. When these cells become damaged or unhealthy, it can affect the production of melanin. While some skin pigmentation will affect only patches of your skin, others can affect your entire body.

There are a number of reasons that can cause discolored skin patches. They are a common problem with a number of different causes. Discolored patches develop due to a difference in melanin levels. Hyperpigmentation occurs when your body produces too much melanin, and hypopigmentation is when not enough is produced. The stimulation of melanin causes your tan but can also bring about unwanted dark patches as well. A few other examples of skin pigmentation happen in young women from taking the pill or pregnancy which can alter the hormone levels in females, which in turn can affect the melanin levels.

It is a good idea to be alert any time you notice a change in the texture or color of your skin, but know that most of the time, skin discoloration is harmless. Once you have checked in with your doctor, there are treatments available for the many people that experience these changes to their skin tone.

You will want to book an appointment to discuss the issues causing your skin discoloration with a professional to choose the best method for you. Resurfacing treatments such as microdermabrasion and laser treatment are options that can be used to successfully remove the upper layers of skin to allow for regrowth of the skin with the right amount of melanin.

Microdermabrasion is a treatment that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells that is non-invasive. You may notice that fine lines and age spots become less visible. These treatments are considered nonaggressive and can be quite relaxing. Patients have said that microdermabrasion leaves their skin feeling softer, smoother and looking fresher.

Another treatment you may want to consider is laser treatment or Intense Pulse Light. This can even out the skin tone and often will tighten the skin, giving it a smooth appearance. The certified professionals at Laser and Skin Care Medspa use the Palomar Icon (Cynosure) Pulsed Light and Laser System. This system emits concentrated intense beams of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the melanin or pigmentation in the skin. The damaged lesion (target area) naturally disintegrates and then visibly disappears vastly improving skin tone.

We offer a free consultation to discuss all your options with you before recommending a course of action. We understand that noticeable patches of discolored skin can cause you concern or embarrassment and we want you looking and feeling your absolute best.